Greywater
Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth and fresh water resources are expected to decline with global warming. As our population grows, so does pressure on water use. One way we can reduce our use of this precious resource is to recycle some of the water we have already used - creating greywater.
What is a greywater system?
A greywater system enables you to reuse greywater in your home.
Greywater is wastewater from a range of sources including your bath, bathroom basin, laundry and shower. There are simple and complex systems, but they all involve reusing water that would normally be lost. Some systems involve storing the water and treating it to remove impurities.
Greywater use outside
The easiest place to start using greywater is on your garden.
Watering with greywater can significantly reduce your overall water use and may help you save on your water bills. It also means you can water your garden even when you're on water restrictions.
Greywater for your garden doesn't usually need to be treated but its best to use soaps and detergents that are safe to reuse on your garden. Check the label of products before you buy them if you're not sure.
You can bucket water from your bath or run a hose from your washing machine straight onto your garden. You can also catch water in a bucket after rinsing vegetables or while waiting for hot water to come through the tap. You can then apply this water straight onto your plants.
Avoid using greywater on your vegetable garden especially if you eat your vegetables raw.
Treating greywater
Treated greywater can be used more widely in the home and garden than untreated greywater.
Treatment systems may be biological, chemical or mechanical. See Your home technical manual - Wastewater reuse for information on the different types of treatment.
Before you set up a greywater system, make sure that you have met all your local council requirements for wastewater reuse. You should also make sure that everyone who visits your home knows how to use the stored greywater safely.
Collecting, storing and using untreated and poorly managed greywater can be hazardous to people and plants. Check the health requirements with your local council or state or territory health authority.
Greywater use indoors
Treated greywater can be used indoors in your laundry and toilet.
Toilets and washing machines are two of the biggest water consumers, so using greywater in these appliances can save a lot of water.
Financial assistance for greywater systems
Rebates are available for the cost of installing a greywater system and connecting it into your home.
More information
See these resources about greywater:
Rebates & assistance
As a home owner, renter or landlord, you could be eligible for financial assistance and home assessments to help you start saving energy and water sooner.
Find out about government rebates and assistance.
Why do it?
- Reduce your water use
- Keep your garden green even during water restrictions
- Show others how they can save water too
- Help your our reliance on treated and pumped water
Did you know?
The average home produces around 80 litres of greywater a day which could be reused.
What can I do?
Take Action
Page last modified: 25 Feb 2010